It’s easy to love American Quarter Horses. They’re beautiful, athletic, versatile, and sensible, and they excel in just about everything. And best of all, they are extremely popular with youth riders!
The American Quarter Horse Youth Association (AQHYA) has a lot of exciting things going on and a whole slate of youth programs to encourage young riders to learn and have fun with their horses. Are you ready to saddle up and join in?
Something for Everyone
According to the American Quarter Horse Association’s Helen Hardy, Manager of Youth Development and AQHYA, the organization divides their programs into several categories, although some programs fall into more than one category. The categories are: horsemanship, leadership, education, competitions and contests, and scholarships and awards. You can learn all about each program at aqha.com/youth-overview or create a customized list of programs you are eligible for at findyourprogram.aqha.com.
The AQHYA World Championship Show, described as “the world’s largest single-breed world championship horse show open exclusively to youth exhibitors age 18 and under,” offers an amazing number of opportunities for youth exhibitors.
In addition to a full slate of classes for all ages in western pleasure, hunter under saddle, horsemanship, hunt seat equitation, showmanship, ranch riding, trail, and more, there are many contests held at the show as well. These include stall decoration, public speaking, horse judging, scrapbooking, arts and photography, and more. The 2025 show is scheduled to be held August 1-10 in Oklahoma City, Okla.
If you’re looking to stay a little closer to home, you can participate in the AQHA Horseback Riding Program and track the hours you spend riding, working with, and caring for your horse. As your number of logged hours increases, you may be eligible to earn prizes and recognition. Best of all, the AQHA offers two divisions: one for American Quarter Horses and one for all breeds, so you can participate even if you don’t have an American Quarter Horse (yet!).
AQHYA members 13 and older may be interested in the AQHA Ranching Heritage Young Horse Development Program, which matches weanlings donated by Ranching Heritage breeders with youth members. The young horses are then raised and trained by the youth members with a focus on developing horsemanship skills and prioritizing equine wellness. Applications for the 2026 program close on October 1, 2025.
If you’re interested in learning more about racing, the AQHA Youth Racing Experience might be for you. AQHYA members 16 and older can build their knowledge by working with an experienced trainer at the three-day Challenge Championship event, gaining a behind-the-scenes look at American Quarter Horse racing.
Lots of Learning
If you’re thinking about college yet, there are generous AQHA scholarship programs (with over $400,000 available annually), plus programs such as the ASPIRE award, a $1,000 award for an AQHYA member who excels in leadership and service.
If you really want to get involved with AQHYA, you might want to become part of the AQHYA Leadership Team and attend the Youth Excellence Seminar—a three-day, fun-filled event for ages 10-18 that offers valuable leadership skills and inspiring speakers.
And if you love learning about horses, you’ll want to check out the Junior Master Horseman program or explore all the resources and courses available through the AQHLearn program. AQHLearn offers online education resources where you can study everything from coat colors and conformation to breeds, history, health, tack, equipment, and even pasture management. It’s an incredible amount of information at your fingertips and can help you get a great foundation in your equine education.
Riders 9 and Under
Big things are happening for riders 9 and under in the AQHYA! They’ve introduced “small-fry” classes at AQHA-approved shows.
These classes are Level 1 walk-trot classes and may be offered in showmanship, western horsemanship, western pleasure, trail, ranch riding, hunt seat equitation, and hunter under saddle. You don’t even need to own your own horse to compete. The AQHYA is now offering Small-Fry Memberships at a reduced rate.
Quarter Horse Fast Facts
◆ American Quarter Horses are usually between 14.3 and 16 hands.
◆ They’re found in many colors, including bay, bay roan, black, blue roan, brown, buckskin, chestnut, cremello, dun, gray, grullo, palomino, perlino, red dun, red roan, and sorrel.
◆ The AQHA was established in 1940 in Ft. Worth, Texas. Since then, the AQHA has registered over 6 million horses and currently has nearly 17,000 youth members.
Whether you currently have an American Quarter Horse or just love learning about them, there’s something for everyone at AQHYA. The breed with the long history is ready for a bright and exciting future!
This article about the Quarter Horse appeared in the May/June 2025 issue of Young Rider magazine. Click here to subscribe!
